In Our Shoes: On Being a Young Black Woman in Not-So "Post-Racial" America

by Brianna Holt

Part memoir, part cultural critique, In Our Shoes uses pop culture and author Brianna Holt’s own lived experience to dissect the stereotypes and preconceived notions that young Black women must overcome in America today.

In this fresh exploration of cultural appropriation, wokeness, tone policing, and more, Holt carefully dismantles myths about Black womanhood, allowing readers to assess their biases while examining the roles Black millennial women are forced to take on simply to survive.
 
Through nine thoughtful chapters—such as “Leave the Box Braids for the Black Girls” and “Why Are You So Dark?”—laced with searing commentary, personal anecdotes from Brianna’s own life, and interviews conducted with “everyday” Black women and experts across different fields, In Our Shoes reveals the complexities of existence for Black women and creates a thought-provoking book that helps readers to learn, empathize, reflect, and, most importantly, act.
 
A history, a work of criticism, a piece of reporting, and a call to action, In Our Shoes is a timely exploration of race and womanhood that will entertain, inspire, and inform in equal measures.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Essays, African American, Audiobook, Cultural, Womens

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 2023

Reviews

[Evisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so fortunate for the thoroughly eloquent, deeply moving, expertly researched and courageously insightful labor Brianna Holt put into laying out our common experiences as Black women in this presently suffocating social era for the rest of the world to reckon with… I feel lucky that she put so much into this, so that I don’t have to. I saw myself mirrored so many times reading these essays; she captured so many complex emotions and considerations that I feel I’ve been struggling to explain to others my whole life. This was a nourishing piece of work. I hope it reaches all those who need it.

[Eliza Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author: Brianna Holt

Genres: Fiction/Historical Fiction/AA Fiction

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Summary: Brianna Holt blends personal narrative, cultural critique, and interviews to deliver a powerful, thought-provoking exploration of the realities Black millennial women face, challenging stereotypes and inviting readers to confront their own biases with honesty and action.

Tropes and Themes: racial biases, stigmatization, social injustice, identity and representation and empowerment.

Character: N/A

Thoughts: I was really excited to read this book because the synopsis was very interesting. There were a couple of things that I enjoyed about the book: identifying racial biases and the way that POC are treated differently within all social institutions. Brianna identified how her employers would demonstrate stereotypes that black women are strong and doesn't require help, that we are capable of anything we put our minds to, which is true, but our race doesn't negate that some work is a team effort. This resonated with me so much as I have heard and continue to hear that cliche "strong black woman." In truth, sometimes we desire to be feminine and not have to be in the alpha role all the time. Another element of the book that resonated with me was the way that her mates would justify or become passive to the way that she was treated within these institutions becoming tone deaf or luke warm that racial disparities exist.

However, there were just some things that I didn't enjoy, which was that the book becomes over saturated with analytical statistics. This really took away from the book's personality. I enjoyed that she included her personal experiences as a black woman, but it read as if she was reporting for a news channel. The statistics started to become very redundant and had she stated statistics once for each chapter, I would have enjoyed it more. After a while, I zoned out and had a hard time staying focused. I would have enjoyed more heartfelt experiences incorporated into her book rather than this reading like a research paper.

Overall, I think that this book is a powerful read, and I would recommend this book to those who want to empower and become more aware of racial biases and social issues that not only affect POC but women of color.

[Siddharth Valecha · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a gay Indian immigrant man, reading this book has led me to the realization that collectively, we are falling short. There exists a significant gap in the efforts of brown, white, and other non-black communities. Mere participation in social media sharing or striving to align with the "woke" category is insufficient. It is imperative that we take active roles in facilitating structural changes to ensure the inclusion, respect, and acknowledgment of black young females. I extend my gratitude to Brianna for courageously sharing her vulnerabilities. Your contribution is sincerely appreciated.

[Krystle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all of the essays in this memoir! Brianna’s vulnerability and self introspection can be felt on every page. I enjoyed how each essay combined personal experiences with sociology and even popular culture. A formidable memoir and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. I was hoping for something quite different. Unfortunately, I stopped reading at page 200 of 270. Too many books too little time.

[Abena Anim-Somuah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional exceptional exceptional! Im biased because Brianna is one of my closest friends and I did support her in writing the book but even a year after editing it it’s still so beautiful.

To tell Black stories from a place of vulnerability and not feeling to mince words is absolutely no small feat and Brianna does it so beautifully! I just love how much she weaves her personal experiences and commentary from academics and others well versed on the sociological impact of how Black women live to show that how Black women are treated.

Even as someone who identifies as Black and not African American, I know that there is so much that I need to considering my privelege and upbringing to bring more intersectionality into my feminism and support Blackness through and through. I can’t wait to see what Brianna writes next

[Anna Bussabarger-Graf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was informative and personal, a must-read. The audience that will relate to this memoir the most are black women but that doesn't mean everyone else shouldn't read it- to the contrary, other audiences should. I will never relate to most of the experiences in the book but it does point out the problems and how our society should solve them. Just because I can't relate doesn't mean I'm absolved from solutions, which I felt this book did a great job at addressing. Some of the highlights that this book explains is the current taboo of being "woke", the token black friend, white feminism, and the rampant appropriation we see through the likes of Addison Rae and the Kar-Jenner family. Brianna has a great voice and I will be reading more of her works.

[Bobby Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book. If you are looking for a place to learn and gain perspective on what it means to be a Black woman in america this is it. As a white man, I have learned and gained insight on many issues that I’ve never considered or knew to be a problem.

I appreciate the vulnerability that Holt and the other women showed in recounting their experiences. Holt does not pull punches and lays her ideas out clearly. It’s honest and fair and sometimes uncomfortable, yet checking one’s white privilege and unconscious biases is necessary. After reading the book, I have a greater understanding of where I can do better personally, what is expected of me, and ways to offer support and resources in the future.

[Talbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonfiction. My summary: Today’s racism may be less overt, violent, and intentional…let’s be aware it still exits and can be felt in enduring ways.

As a liberal and minority person living in the racially diverse California Bay Area, the time reading the first third of the book felt a little obvious to me and I thought I wouldn’t get much out of the whole read. But “repetition is the key to learning” and as I continued reading I became more thoughtful about how racism, like any other “—ism”, needs to be recognized and acknowledged in all it’s forms by everyone if we want to prevent or correct it’s insidious effects.

[Deja Izydorczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly feel seen! This book from start to finish shed a much-needed light on the experiences of Black women in America…especially mine. Though Brianna and I are from totally different parts of the country, I found myself relating to many of her personal stories as if I had lived them myself. She is a brilliant writer and this body of work is phenomenal. Whether you want to be more educated on the Black female experience or you are a Black woman yourself, this book is an excellent read!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much information compacted into about 300 pages. Could've gone on even longer, but she did a great job editing it down to a readable amount. A great snapshot of racism today, especially where it intersects with being a Black woman in the US.

[Claire Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book and all white people should read this. Open your mind, sit with being uncomfortable and listen to this writer. I did the audio book and I’d recommend because I think there are advantages to listening to the authors voice.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️💚🖤❤️

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a non-young, non-Black woman, I appreciated Ms Holt’s work for its honesty and specificity on what is and isn’t helpful from those of us who aim to be allies.

[The Queen Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and sadly relatable!

[Mary Haralson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 - thought provoking & reaffirming!

[Terissa Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women of all backgrounds and cultures should definitely add this to their read list.

[Daniel Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional and important! All white ppl should read

[leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best nonfiction books i’ve ever read. really personal and reads like a memoir while also having rich analysis backed w/ great research. each chapter flows so well and the ideas are layered so purposefully- it’s great to read the work of someone who is clearly MEANT to be writing!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
A lot to digest here. Yes, the author seems to have lots of chips on her shoulders, but I feel as if they are warranted - pointing out the many ways in which Black women are grievously treated. Although her and my skin colors are different, she had me relating to feelings I have/had when I've been slighted for a myriad of, to me, ridiculous reasons.
Even before I finished the book, I suggested to the librarian who will be choosing the book for next February's Black History month read that this is THE book we should read and discuss.
I am really looking forward to meeting her at Booktopia in fewer than 3 weeks.

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant essays on racism in the us of today